1.The Role of Lysosomal Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapies
Yue-Yan WU ; Xin CHEN ; Ce-Fan ZHOU ; Jing-Feng TANG ; Rui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):609-622
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer with high morbidity rates worldwide. It is a major threat to public health in China, due to the combination of known and new risk factors, such as endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV), dietary aflatoxin exposure, and the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Although many methods for surveillance and multimodal therapies, such as surgery, local ablation, transarterial therapy, and new systemic agents, have been available, the survival rates of HCC remains poor. They have very limited durable responses, long post-treatment recurrence rates, and high resistance to treatment. This reflects an imperfect picture of the biological cause of the disease and a need for new mechanistic or targeted techniques. A significant characteristic of HCC, in common with other aggressive cancers, is the presence of reprogrammed, hyperactive cell metabolism. Tumor cells hijack metabolic pathways to promote their uncontrolled growth, stress survival, invasion and metastasis. While classical mechanisms such as the Warburg effect, lipid metabolism and glutamine utilization have been understood, the lysosome, which was once viewed as a static “waste disposal unit” to remove old organelles and proteins, is instead a dynamic signaling and metabolic core. The lysosomes incorporate nutrients, energy and stress signals by master regulators such as mTORC1 (activated on its surface) that balance anabolic growth and catabolic recycling to the cellular demands. In HCC, lysosomes are not passive, but are highly active and dysregulated. HCC cells upregulate lysosomes, which scavenge intracellular components via enhanced autophagy and engulf extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis, crucial for survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In addition to metabolism, lysosomes exhibit pro-invasive functions by secreting hydrolases to remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis, and suppress stromal immune cells to foster a pro-tumor microenvironment. In a clinical context, lysosomes play an important role in therapeutic resistance: they sequester and inactivate chemotherapeutics via lysosomal sequestration, and enhanced autophagic flux protects the cell from therapy-induced damage, contributing to relapse, as lysosomal dysfunction is a key cause of treatment failure. This makes lysosomes promising yet challenging therapeutic targets in HCC. Recent preclinical and early clinical studies investigate multiple strategies to exploit the susceptibility of lysosomes: lysosome-specific agents, alkalinizing the lysosome lumen or inducing membrane permeabilization and lysosome-dependent cell death; pharmacological inhibition of key lysosomal enzymes or autophagy to impair nutrient recycling and stress adaptation; smart nanotherapeutic agents or antibody-drug conjugates, specifically activated in the acidic lysosomal environment or utilizing lysosomal pathways for efficient intracellular drug release; and combination strategies of lysosome-targeting agents with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy to overcome resistance and achieve synergistic antitumor effects. In summary, our review systematically presents the role of lysosomes in HCC, from metabolic reprogramming and microenvironmental adaptation to therapeutic resistance. By synthesizing the latest mechanistic insights and preclinical advances, this review highlights the indispensable role of lysosomes in the complex HCC biological network, emphasizing that an in-depth understanding of this dynamic organelle holds great promise for developing innovative, targeted therapies, offering new hope for improving the poor prognosis of global HCC patients.
2.Quercetin Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis in Rats via ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway
Baowei FENG ; Yan WANG ; Chang LI ; Yujing ZHANG ; Dingxing FAN ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):145-153
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of quercetin on acute gouty arthritis (GA) in rats by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (25, 50, 100 mg·kg-1, respectively) quercetin groups (n=10). The rats in the dosing groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs (10 mL·kg-1) by gavage once a day for one week. An equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage to rats in normal and model groups. One hour after drug administration on day 5, an acute GA model was established in other groups except the control group via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the right posterior ankle joint cavity. The joint swelling and gait were scored at the time points of 6, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling. Histopathological alterations in the ankle joint tissue from each group were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) assay kits were used to assess the levels of MDA, XOD, and T-SOD in the serum. The levels of tumor interleukin-6 (IL-6), necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β in the rat serum, as well as ROS in the ankle joint tissue, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain (ASC), precursor cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (pro-Caspase-1), cleaved Caspase-1 (Caspase-1 p20), and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased spontaneous activity, mental fatigue, increased ankle joint swelling and gait scores (P<0.01), aggravated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.01), elevated levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), a declined level of T-SOD (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose quercetin groups showed improved general conditions, decreased gait scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced joint swelling (P<0.01), alleviated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), increased levels of T-SOD (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Low-dose quercetin also ameliorated some of the above parameters (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQuercetin exerts anti-GA effects by blocking the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway, downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
3.Effect of Yiqi Wenyang Huoxue Lishui Components on Cardiac Function and Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in CHF Rats
Hui GAO ; Zeqi YANG ; Xin LIU ; Fan GAO ; Yangyang HAN ; Aiyangzi LU ; Xingchao LIU ; Qiuhong GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):27-36
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Yiqi Wenyang Huoxue Lishui components on the cardiac function and mitochondrial energy metabolism in the rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF) and explore the underlying mechanism. MethodsThe rat model of CHF was prepared by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Eight of the 50 SD rats were randomly selected as the sham group, and the remaining 42 underwent TAC surgery. The 24 SD rats successfully modeled were randomized into model, trimetazidine (6.3 mg·kg-1), and Yiqi Wenyang Huoxue Lishui components (60 mg·kg-1 total saponins of Astragali Radix, 10 mg·kg-1 total phenolic acids of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 190 mg·kg-1 aqueous extract of Lepidii Semen, and 100 mg·kg-1 cinnamaldehyde) groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage, and those in the sham and model groups were administrated with the same amount of normal saline at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 for 8 weeks. Echocardiography was used to examine the cardiac function in rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the serum levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), hypersensitive troponin(cTnI), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), free fatty acids (FFA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The colorimetric assay was employed to measure the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in the myocardial tissue. The pathological changes in the myocardial tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. The Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities in the myocardial tissue were determined by the colorimetric assay. The ultrastructural changes of myocardial mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ATP synthase subunit delta (ATP5D), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). The mitochondrial complex assay kits were used to determine the activities of mitochondrial complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group showed a loosening arrangement of cardiac fibers, fracture and necrosis of partial cardiac fibers, inflammatory cells in necrotic areas, massive blue fibrotic tissue in the myocardial interstitium, increased collagen fiber area and myocardial fibrosis, destroyed mitochondria, myofibril disarrangement, sparse myofilaments, and fractured and reduced cristae. In addition, the rats in the model group showed declined ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), risen left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVVOLd), and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVVOLs), elevated levels of NT-ProBNP, cTnI, CK, MDA, FFA, and LD, lowered level of SOD, down-regulated protein levels of GLUT4 and CPT-1, decreased activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase, and respiratory complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, and declined levels of ATP5D, ATP, ADP, and AMP (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yiqi Wenyang Huoxue Lishui components and trimetazidine groups showed alleviated pathological damage of the mitochondria and mycardial tissue, risen EF and FS, declined LVIDd, LVIDs, LVPWd, LVPWs, LVVOLd, and LVVOLs, lowered levels of NT-ProBNP, cTnI, CK, MDA, FFA, and LD, elevated level of SOD, up-regulated protein levels of GLUT4 and CPT-1, increased activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase, and respiratory complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, and elevated levels of ATP5D, ATP, ADP, and AMP (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionYiqi Wenyang Huoxue Lishui components can improve the cardiac function, reduce myocardial injury, regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, optimize the utilization of substrates, and alleviate the damage of mitochondrial structure and function, thus improving the energy metabolism of the myocardium in the rat model of CHF.
4.Advances in multi-source surveillance data integration and application of early warning indicators for respiratory infectious diseases
Dazhu HUO ; Ting ZHANG ; Jinzhao CUI ; Xiaochen ZHANG ; Yongtao CHI ; Yanan WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Ziliang FAN ; Chuchu YE ; Chuangsen FANG ; Yanming LI ; Zhongjie LI ; Weizhong YANG ; Chen WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(8):1311-1319
The integration of multi-source data and the establishment of early warning indicator systems constitute pivotal elements for advancing surveillance and early warning capacities in respiratory infectious diseases. Given the multifaceted transmission mechanisms and complex contributing factors inherent in respiratory infectious diseases, surveillance datasets and associated early warning indicators demonstrate notable heterogeneity and sophisticated interrelationships. Furthermore, as surveillance and early warning requirements significantly vary across diverse epidemiological scenarios, accurate assessment of the value and applicability of distinct data types and indicators is imperative. This paper systematically reviews and synthesizes recent advancements in surveillance data and early warning indicators for respiratory infectious diseases, drawing on both domestic and international research. Particular attention is dedicated to analyzing the applicability and efficacy of various data types and indicators within multiple practical contexts, aiming to provide robust theoretical frameworks and methodological guidance to facilitate the development of resilient and efficient surveillance and early warning systems for respiratory infectious diseases.
5.Exploration of the Medical Quality Management Pathway Based on"Internet Plus"and"Data Element Multiplier"
Anna SHEN ; Xiaojun CHEN ; Ming JIANG ; Jia KE ; Mingyue FAN ; Fangfang KONG ; Xin SUN
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(11):64-68
The traditional medical quality management model has many problems,such as excessive reliance on experience,poor coordination among departments,and lagging supervision,innovating medical quality management models has become an essential issue for the high-quality development of hospitals.A tertiary Grade A general hospital built a"data element multiplier"ecological chain for medical quality management,and established a complete closed-loop management system for medical quality management under the"Internet plus"model.Finally,the mobile medical quality management platform was built.Jointly driven by"Internet plus"and"data element multiplier",the level of lean management has been significantly improved,providing practical reference for hospitals at the same level.
6.Study on applicability of EUCAST breakpoints for aztreonam-avibactam in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Xi CHEN ; Xin FAN ; Zhenjia LIU ; Xinxin ZONG ; Li GU ; Chunxia YANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(18):2826-2830
OBJECTIVE T o assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of aztreonam-avibactam against metallo-β—lacta-mase(MBL)-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae(CRE)using different antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods,evaluate the consistency of results based on the latest breakpoints recommended by European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing(EUCAST),and analyze the clinical applicability.METHODS The imipenem-or meropenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains were isolated from the clinical specimens of Bei-jing Chaoyang Hospital from Jan.2019 to Mar.2023,MBL-producing CRE were selected after they were con-firmed by colloidal gold immunoassay and Sanger sequencing as the study subjects.The minimum inhibitory con-centrations(MICs)of single aztreonam and aztreonam-avibactam compounds were determined by using broth mi-crodilution method.In addition,the disk diffusion method and the gradient diffusion method were employed to further detect the in vitro susceptibility to aztreonam-avibactam.RESULTS Among the 87 strains of MBL-producing CRE that were included in the study,Escherichia coli was the most common species,accounting for 44.83%.NDM-5 was the predominant carbapenemase type,detected in 48.28%of the isolates.According to the latest EUCAST break-points,6 isolates were aztreonam-avibactam-resistant strains based on broth microdilution method,all of which were E.coli,and the resistance rate was 6.90%(6/87).However,the resistance rate that was determined by the disk diffu-sion method was significantly higher(22.99%,20/87).Among these,14 strains was within the area of technical uncer-tainty/resistant,making result interpretation difficult.In addition,the categorical agreement between the gradient diffu-sion method and the broth microdilution method reached up to 98.85%.CONCLUSIONS Aztreonam-avibactam has high antimicrobial activity against MBL-producing CRE.However,based on the latest EUCAST breakpoints,the antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the disk diffusion method results of some strains are hard to interpret.It is necessary to integrate with other methods for further validation.
7.Aldolase A accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis by refactoring c-Jun transcription
Xin YANG ; Guang-Yuan MA ; Xiao-Qiang LI ; Na TANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiao-Wei HAO ; Ke-Han WU ; Yu-Bo WANG ; Wen TIAN ; Xin FAN ; Zezhi LI ; Caixia FENG ; Xu CHAO ; Yu-Fan WANG ; Yao LIU ; Di LI ; Wei CAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):1634-1651
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)expresses abundant glycolytic enzymes and displays comprehensive glucose metabolism reprogramming.Aldolase A(ALDOA)plays a prominent role in glycolysis;however,little is known about its role in HCC development.In the present study,we aim to explore how ALDOA is involved in HCC proliferation.HCC proliferation was markedly suppressed both in vitro and in vivo following ALDOA knockout,which is consistent with ALDOA overexpression encouraging HCC prolifera-tion.Mechanistically,ALDOA knockout partially limits the glycolytic flux in HCC cells.Meanwhile,ALDOA translocated to nuclei and directly interacted with c-Jun to facilitate its Thr93 phosphorylation by P21-activated protein kinase;ALDOA knockout markedly diminished c-Jun Thr93 phosphorylation and then dampened c-Jun transcription function.A crucial site Y364 mutation in ALDOA disrupted its interaction with c-Jun,and Y364S ALDOA expression failed to rescue cell proliferation in ALDOA deletion cells.In HCC patients,the expression level of ALDOA was correlated with the phosphorylation level of c-Jun(Thr93)and poor prognosis.Remarkably,hepatic ALDOA was significantly upregulated in the promotion and progression stages of diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC models,and the knockdown of Aldoa strikingly decreased HCC development in vivo.Our study demonstrated that ALDOA is a vital driver for HCC development by activating c-Jun-mediated oncogene transcription,opening additional avenues for anti-cancer therapies.
8.Exploration on the integration of red doctor resources into ideological and political education:based on the study of the history of Xi’an Medical College
Xin LIU ; Lie SANG ; Fan HUA ; Yujie LUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):867-873
The red doctor spirit is the red gene formed and developed in the process of the Communist Party of China (CPC) leading the revolution and construction, and in pioneering and developing the people’s health undertakings. It is also the embodiment of the spiritual lineage of the Chinese Communists in the field of healthcare. The red doctor resources is a valuable resource for medical colleges and universities to conduct ideological and political education, playing a vital role in the cultivation of medical talents and the construction of Chinese-style modernization in health and well-being. Combining with the macro-historical background and adopting the method of “university founding background, typical figures, typical cases, and group portrayal,” the university history research team at Xi’an Medical University has excavated representative cases that demonstrate the connotation of the spirit of red medicine, namely “political firmness and excellent technology,” from the university’s history of arduous struggle in its establishment and development. This exploration shows the historical value and practical significance of the red doctor spirit as reflected in university history. On these foundations, the research team explored and carried out ideological and political theory courses and campus culture construction activities with the characteristics of medical universities, thereby enhancing the affinity and persuasiveness of ideological and political theory courses, promoting the in-depth dissemination of the red doctor spirit, and assisting in the construction of health and well-being culture.
9.Exploring Mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway to Improve Learning and Memory Ability of Insomnia Rats with Liver Depression Syndrome Based on Transcriptomics
Jiamin LIU ; Yale WANG ; Hai HUANG ; Yue LI ; Xin FAN ; Pengpeng LIANG ; Shizhao ZHANG ; Mei YAN ; Guiyun LI ; Hongyan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):114-125
ObjectiveBased on transcriptomics, to explore the mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway to improve the learning and memory ability of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, eszopiclone group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan (3.82, 7.65, 15.30 g·kg-1), with ten rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were induced insomnia rat model with liver depression by chronic restraint, tail clamping stimulation and intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Each treatment group received intragastric administration according to the specified dosage, once a day for 14 consecutive days. The pentobarbital sodium cooperative sleep test, open field test, and Morris water maze test were used to test the sleep quality, depressive-like behavior, and learning and memory abilities of rats. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe pathological changes of the hippocampal tissue, while terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Transcriptomic sequencing technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in hippocampus between the model group and the blank group, as well as between the medium-dose group of Hei Xiaoyaosan and the model group. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the intersecting genes. Subsequently, the enriched key genes and signaling pathways were analyzed and verified. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to assess the mRNA expression levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-like protein 11 (BCL2L11), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) in hippocampus, and Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein expressions of PI3K, phosphorylation (p)-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved Caspase-3 in the same tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a reduction in body weight, an increase in sleep latency, and a decrease in sleep duration (P<0.01). Additionally, rats showed obvious depression-like behavior, and their learning and memory abilities decreased. Furthermore, the contents of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in hippocampus decreased (P<0.01). Histological examination revealed a disorganized cell arrangement in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, characterized by irregular cell shapes, a reduced cell count, deeply stained and pyknotic nuclei, increased vacuolar degeneration, and an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body weight of the high and medium dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan increased, the sleep latency shortened and the sleep time prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, depression-like behavior and learning and memory abilities of rats were significantly improved, the levels of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in the hippocampus increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). These interventions also ameliorated pathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 area and reduced the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons (P<0.01). Transcriptomic sequencing results indicated that Hei Xiaoyaosan might exert a therapeutic effect by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway through key mRNAs such as PTEN, BCL2L11, and MAPK1. The roles of these key mRNAs and proteins within PI3K/Akt pathway were further validated. In comparison to the blank group, the expression levels of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNA in the hippocampus of rats in the model group were increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 were decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan could down-regulate the expressions of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNAs (P<0.01), up-regulate the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 proteins (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expressions of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may regulate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by down-regulating expressions of key genes such as PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1, and thus improve the learning and memory abilities of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome.
10.Effects of Huoxue Xiaoyi Formula (活血消异方) on Tfh Cells and the JAK/STAT Pathway in Ectopic Tissues of Ovarian Endometriosis Model Rats
Weisen FAN ; Yongjia ZHANG ; Yaqian WANG ; Hong LEI ; Huiting YAN ; Ruijie HOU ; Xin WANG ; Yu TAO ; Ruihua ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1473-1480
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Huoxue Xiaoyi Formula (活血消异方, HXF) in treating ovarian endometriosis (OEM) from the perspective of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-five female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into three groups, HXF group, model group, and normal group, with 15 rats in each group. A rat model of OEM was established by autologous endometrial tissue implantation. After successful modeling, the treatment group received HXF at 5.85 g/(kg·d) by gavage for 14 consecutive days. The model group and normal group received 1 mL/d of normal saline by gavage. RNA-sequencing data from human proliferative-phase endometriotic and normal endometrial tissues were downloaded from the GEO database. Transcriptomic sequencing was used to analyze gene expression in rat ovarian ectopic tissues and normal uterine tissues, and comparisons were made with human data to verify JAK/STAT pathway activation in proliferative-phase ectopic tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expression of CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) and interleukin-21 (IL-21) in rat ovarian ectopic and normal uterine tissues. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of IL-21, IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Tfh cell infiltration was analyzed using immune cell infiltration methods. ResultsGene set enrichment analysis showed that the JAK/STAT pathway was significantly activated in human proliferative-phase endometriotic tissues compared to normal endometrial tissues. Similarly, the JAK/STAT pathway was markedly activated in rat ovarian ectopic tissues in the model group compared to the normal group, but suppressed in the HXF group compared to the model group. Compared with normal uterine tissues, ovarian ectopic tissues in the model group showed increased Tfh cell infiltration scores, higher CXCR5 and IL-21 expression, and elevated levels of IL-21, IL-21R, JAK1, STAT6, and Bcl-2 proteins. Compared with the model group, HXF group showed reduced CXCR5 and IL-21 expression and decreased protein levels of IL-21, IL-21R, JAK1, STAT6, and Bcl-2. ConclusionHXF may suppress activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in ovarian endometriotic tissues by inhibiting IL-21 secretion from Tfh cells.

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